A team of scientists recently announced they’ve created advanced deep-sea landers to investigate their surprising discovery: metallic rocks in the ocean might be producing something called “dark oxygen.” If true, this could change our understanding of how life began on Earth.
This claim has raised eyebrows, especially among deep-sea mining companies eager to extract valuable metals from the polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor. Some researchers are skeptical about the findings, questioning whether the oxygen detected is actually from trapped air bubbles, not the rocks themselves. Andrew Sweetman, a British marine ecologist leading this research, is set for an underwater expedition soon to get more clarity.
At a recent press conference, Sweetman showcased the new landers designed to withstand 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) of ocean pressure. These gadgets resemble equipment used in space missions and are made to measure seafloor respiration accurately. They’ll be deployed from a research ship in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a significant area between Hawaii and Mexico where deep-sea mining is being proposed.
Experts estimate that about 90% of the world’s minerals used in electronics and renewable energy come from the ocean’s depths. With electric vehicle demand soaring, the race to mine these nodules is intensifying. Sweetman believes these nodules could be releasing enough electric charge to perform electrolysis—splitting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen.
Despite the excitement around this research, concerns linger about the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. Sweetman made it clear he’s not looking to halt mining but hopes to provide insights that could lessen its effects on delicate marine ecosystems. “These nodules are home to many species,” he noted.
In a related viewpoint, Matthias Haeckel, a biogeochemist, remarked that his work hasn’t found evidence of oxygen production from the nodules but welcomed further collaboration. His team plans to join Sweetman’s expedition for side-by-side comparisons.
As the world leans more on ocean resources, keeping a close eye on the environmental impact is crucial. Research like this might not only pave the way for new discoveries but also help ensure we tread lightly on the ocean floor.
For more details on this exciting research, check out the Nippon Foundation or recent findings about the implications of deep-sea mining.
